Bakero who hails from Sitges, Spain scored in the third minute of play when he decisively sent a shot into the back of the net after receiving a cross from midfielder Jacori Hayes to give Wake Forest an early 1-0 lead over a very determined SIUE team that had previously advanced past Michigan State and Butler in NCAA Touranment play.

Bakero then netted what proved to be the game-winning goal in the seventy-second minute of the contest when he redirected teammate Ema Twumasi's shot on goal back into the net from the top of the box to give Wake Forest the edge they needed to advance past SIUE 2-1.

Bakero has scored six goals and contributed three assists so far this year for the number two seeded Demon Deacons who improve to 17-2-3 overall and now advance to the Elite Eight for the second year in a row where they will tangle with fellow Atlantic Coast Conferene member Virginia Tech next Saturday with a trip on the line to the College Cup (Final Four). The Hokies upset number seven seed Indiana 2-1 in overtime to punch their ticket to the Elite Eight and set up the match with Wake Forest.